Daryl Kolanko
Potsdam Agway
Canton
SBDC

Potsdam
Agway has been a focal point in Northern New York for more than
40 years, serving the agriculture needs of the community by providing
farm products, animal feed, and more recently, lawn and garden products,
plants and supplies, and pet foods and supplies.

In 1999,
Agway Inc. decided to sell 160 retail stores, including several
stores in St. Lawrence County. Daryl Kolanko, an individual
with a strong sense of community, was determined to save the Potsdam
store. Soon after Agway Inc. made their announcement, Daryl called
the Canton SBDC. He and Business Adviser Dale Rice developed a complete
business proposal and began the search for funding. Convincing
lenders to finance a business that Agway Inc. deemed unattractive
was no easy task; many were skeptical that a farm and garden store
could prosper. However, Daryl was able to convince his bank,
the North Country Alliance, Potsdam Local Development Fund, NYBDC
and the SBA that his tremendous leadership and management skills
were a good risk.

The Potsdam Agway was a cornerstone
of the local economy for several years and thanks to the entrepreneurial
spirit of Daryl Kolanko, it is still there. While other retailers
closed and left the area Daryl's store continues to thrive and employ
more than 14 North County citizens. Daryl is an active member
of the community and proactive in his attempts to improve the economy
and standard of living in Potsdam and the surrounding area.

New York Small
Business Development Center
State University of New York
10 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12246
In NY State 800-732-SBDC
Outside NY State 518-944-2840

Partnership Program with the SBA, administered
by the State University of New York. Funded in
part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business
Administration. All opinions,conclusions or recommendations expressed are
those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All
SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.